City Council addresses transition zones

Shoreline City Council passed an ordinance on May 19 to address transition zones or buffer areas between properties zoned for high intensity developments that are located across from single family residences. A moratorium was established in October 2007 to stop applications for such developments so the city staff could work on establishing transition requirements for 70 locations throughout the city.

“The staff recommends that you do adopt this tonight,” planning director Joe Tovar said at the meeting. “…It doesn’t mean we can’t continue to look at some of these (other) issues.”

Tovar referenced an ordinance that was passed by the Council on May 12 to place a limitation of 110 units per acre in regional business (RB) zones. He told councilmembers that work currently underway and occurring throughout the next six months to create permanent density regulations for the city’s RB zones could involve transition requirements.

Mayor Cindy Ryu and councilmembers Chris Eggen, Doris McConnell, Terry Scott and Janet Way voted in favor of ordinance 500 to establish transition area requirements for development in RB, Commercial Business and Industrial zones that are within close proximity to low-density RB zones.

“With protecting the citizens of Shoreline you have to protect the property values of the single family zones but not at the risk of of someone else,” councilman Keith McGlashan said. He voted against the ordinance and councilman Ron Hansen abstained.

Nocturnal seat belt patrols back

Following the success of the first year of the nighttime Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement patrols during May and October 2007, law enforcement officers will again take to the streets at night until June 1, 2008. The extra patrols are funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).

A recent analysis by the WTSC shows that the Click It or Ticket campaign may be helping to reduce fatalities on Washington roads. During 2007, both daytime and nighttime vehicle occupant fatalities were lower compared to the previous ten years. According to preliminary numbers, nighttime vehicle occupant deaths were 13% lower during 2007 (216 deaths vs. the 247 average for the previous ten years) and daytime vehicle occupant deaths were down 21% (194 deaths during 2007 vs. the 245 average for the previous ten years).

Statewide, there will be 46 law enforcement agencies participating in the nighttime seat belt enforcement project. This includes ten agencies in King County, including the Bellevue, Black Diamond, Burien, Issaquah, Kent, Maple Valley, Sea-Tac, Shoreline and Woodinville Police Departments as well as the Washington State Patrol.

During the most recent Nighttime Seatbelt emphasis in October 2007, law enforcement officers statewide made 7,524 contacts with motorists and intercepted a large number of high-risk drivers, who are more likely to be involved in fatal or serious injury collisions.

Comparatively, during the inaugural May 2007 campaign, law enforcement officers cited 4,671 unbuckled drivers and passengers statewide.

For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.

Ridgecrest Garden Program sprouts up

The Ninth Annual Garden Program presented by the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association will be presented May 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ridgecrest Elementary. This year’s program will include Gardening for Wildlife and Backyard Habitat Program presentations. Attendees will learn how to attract bees, birds and butterflies instead of pests and how your property can become a Certified Wildlife Sanctuary. Experts in both subjects will be available to answer your questions and concerns.

In addition, Adam Yaw Ridgecrest resident and the artist who designed the banners to decorate the neighborhood will be introduced.

Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas about programs, events and themes which would improve and enhance the Ridgecrest experience.

Also the election of officers for the 2008-09 term will be held and nominations will be welcomed. Coffee and cookies will be served.

Attend the Dollars for Scholars luncheon

The greater Shoreline community is invited to attend the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce’s sixth annual Dollars for Scholars awards luncheon, on Wednesday, May 28, beginning 11:45 a.m.

The event will be held in the Shoreline Center’s Shoreline Room. Cost is $20 per person, and RSVP deadline is May 23.

At the luncheon, students who live in Shoreline or attend Shoreline schools will be awarded merit and need-based scholarships. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.shorelinechamber.com, or call 206-361-2260.

Dunk for Special Olympics

Join in the fun on Sunday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kid’s Fair by Lake Forest Park City Hall as the Lake Forest Park Police raise money for Special Olympics. Chief Dennis Peterson and City Administrator David Cline will be “dunked” to raise money for Special Olympics of Washington.

If you have questions, contact Marja Murray, Administrative Assistant, Lake Forest Park Police Department at 206.364.8216. Thank you for your support for Special Olympics of Washington.

For midweek updates, visit www.enterprisenewspapers.com/section/ETPZoneSHL, your home for the latest Shoreline and Lake Forest Park news. Send Around Town news items and photo submissions to shoreline@heraldnet.com or to 4303 198th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA, 98036.